by Tiana Cole
“Go on…” she said, seeming to realize the validity of my points and understanding the severity of the situation.
“We work together, and you’re intelligent and beautiful,” I said. She looked away sheepishly, my compliments catching her off guard. “Immigration would be least likely to suspect you. If you do this for me, you’ll not only be saving my ass, but this entire company’s as well. Your friends out there?” I gestured beyond my office door where her cubicle cluster lay. “They’ll be unemployed within a matter of weeks if I get deported. This place will crumble, I assure you.”
“I don’t know…” she replied softly, and I could see her inner conflict.
“Of course, you’ll be rewarded substantially if you agree to help me out of this mess. We’re talking a very nice bonus.
Speechless, Jessica sat back in her chair and considered my offer. I rested my elbows on the arms of my seat and made a steeple with my fingers while I awaited her response. After a long moment, she finally replied in a hushed tone.
“How much of a bonus?” she asked faintly, and my shoulders dropped in relief. A part of me had expected her to tell me off and flee the room in anger, but it appeared curiosity had gotten the better of her. I was worth almost two billion dollars thanks to the real estate my financial adviser had pressured me to invest in several years earlier. The properties had increased in value significantly, and driven my wealth through the roof. Yes, I was sure any figure I suggested would be astronomical to Jessica.
“Five million,” I answered, and her eyes widened by the number. “Plus another five if you're able to convince immigration that we're truly in love and getting married for no reason other than our love,” I added, making sure I came across as crystal clear as possible.
“You’re…really asking me to marry you?” she swallowed hard, disbelief painting her blushing face.
“Technically I'm paying you to marry me,” I grinned. “Yes, I'm fully aware of what I'm asking of you, and I know it's not exactly legal. Truthfully, Jessica, you’re my last hope. I dragged my feet on this citizenship thing way too long, and now I’m fucked unless you help me out, to be perfectly blunt.”
“This is crazy,” she breathed, shaking her head in shock. “Are you just messing with me right now? Is this part of some candid television show?” Her eyes darted around the room as if she were searching for hidden cameras.
“I know for a fact there's no other woman who can successfully accomplish what I'm asking,” I said almost pleadingly. “Not in time, anyway. I need somebody now, and I know you can do it.”
“How long would this marriage last?” she asked dubiously.
“Two years. After that, we go our separate ways,” I replied.
Still stunned, Jessica continued to stare at me with her jaw agape and eyes wide. She took another moment to collect her thoughts before her expression became contemplative.
“I'll accept on a few conditions,” she began. I held my tongue to hear her out while she spoke. “First, you'll be more considerate when addressing your employees. You don't know what any of us are going through in our personal lives. Sometimes a person can't drop everything to get you a case number at one in the morning. Secondly, you'll take into account the skill sets of each person working for you so you can assign them tasks they'll be the most efficient at. And thirdly, you'll give a damn raise or bonus every once in a while instead of threatening everyone's jobs.”
I sighed deeply in response to her terms. She wanted me to be considerate and, perhaps worse, give raises. I wasn't comfortable with the conditions she'd laid down, but I had little choice. I needed her, and there was nobody else as smart and sharp as her. At least no one who was readily available and trustworthy, anyhow. I didn't know Jessica well, in fact I barely knew her at all, but I could sense how much she valued her position at the firm. That alone would give me the leverage needed to keep her in check. Yes, enlisting her help was far safer than seeking an outside source.
“Fine,” I conceded. “I'll put your suggestions into play.”
“Just know that I’m only doing this for the company,” she remarked. “I don’t want everyone to be punished because of your mistake.”
“Whatever your reason, I thank you,” I replied sincerely, then handed her the binder containing the immigration questions and answers I’d printed.
“What’s this?” she asked with a curious look as she took the binder from me.
“This is everything you’ll need to know about me,” I answered. “I’ll need you to memorize it in case we get questioned.”
“Questioned?” she prodded, flipping through the pages of the binder.
“There’s a slim chance immigration will question us to make sure our relationship’s legit,” I told her in a dismissive tone, downplaying the severity and chances of that happening. “But don’t worry,” I assured her, “that’s not going to happen.”
A look of worry crossed her face and I feared she might back out. To my relief, her expression changed to a smirk and she extended her hand. I excitedly rounded the desk and stepped into her personal space a bit, her breath hitching as I took her hand in mine. Her eyes were still a bit wary, perhaps disbelieving, as if she were waiting for me to announce that this was all an elaborate joke. In that moment, I realized she didn’t fully understood the magnitude of what she’d just gotten herself into.
I shook her hand to solidify our agreement, then wrapped my arm around her waist, pulled her against me, and daringly pressed my lips to hers. I broke the kiss before she could react, grinning playfully.
“It's been sealed with a kiss,” I winked. Jessica seemed beyond flustered, so I let her go and took a step back. She clutched the white binder to her chest and turned to walk towards the door woodenly. “Also, Jessica,” I stopped her, “I'll be meeting with Nick to make you a Senior Partner. You're unquestionably talented, and we'd be foolish not to keep you for the long run.”
Jessica spun around, a look of stunned disbelief look her face. Senior Partner was a title only shared by myself and my partner, Nick.
“You're going to what?” she burst, her voice aghast and eyes wide.
“You're the one who just asked me to recognize my employees' strengths and to give a raise every once and a while,” I chuckled. “You're clearly a bright woman. You're also my fiancée now. It only seems appropriate, and even more believable, if you move up the ladder. I'm sure people would expect me to marry somebody more…on my level.”
Jessica walked back over to my desk and slowly seated herself again.
“Everything is happening so fast,” she noted with concern. “I have a fiancé, and now I'm going to be partner in his law firm.” After a brief pause she added, “I think you should wait on that last part. You know, so there's less suspicion. Let's close the Ross Club case first, then you can cite my performance there as the reason for the promotion.”
“Smart,” I replied, genuinely impressed by her forethought. “See? I knew you were a bright woman.”
I had to agree that making her a Senior Partner so suddenly may look a bit odd, especially after her outburst in the conference room that was followed by a long meeting in my office.
“If we're going to do this, we're going to do it right,” she insisted.
“Yes, definitely. We need to be safe,” I nodded as she stood to leave again.
“I guess I'll just study up, then,” she said a bit awkwardly when she reached the door. I smiled at her while hoping she wouldn’t have a change of heart. The clock was ticking, and I didn’t have time to find another candidate.
“Please see that you do. I wouldn't want to be deported because of you, Jessica.”
Her gaze glinted with steel, and she cut her eyes at me.
“You just had to say that, didn't you?” she scowled. “Can't you see I'm already trying to deal with enough without you piling on the pressure? What happened to consideration, Mr. Kosta?”
“I apologize,” I held my hands up in mock surrend
er. “I simply had to get that out of my system. I'm a new man, I promise,” I joked. She held her gaze on mine for an uncomfortably long moment, and I realized she’d never seen me attempt humor.
In the workplace, levity was something I rarely displayed…if ever. Thankfully her face finally softened and she appeared satisfied. “Please remember to call me by my first name, Jessica,” I reminded her gently. “Outside of the office I'm now Bastian, your fiancé.”
“I'll get it,” she sighed. “Just give me a couple of days, okay?”
I nodded and she turned with finality to leave my office. Three seconds later Nick rushed into the room and gestured behind him to Jessica who was settling into her cubicle.
“So what was that about?” he asked, closing the door behind him. I plopped down on the couch next to my desk and let out a low groan.
“I simply faced the error of my ways. Jessica had some very good suggestions for my making this office a better working environment,” I replied, omitting the whole truth.
Nick stared at me from his stance near the large office window that gave way to a tremendous view of the city. His expression was half confused, and half blank.
“Basically it took a hot employee to get through to you what I've been trying to tell you from day one?” he chuckled. I shrugged, and he burst into a fit of laughter. “Wow, just…wow. What did she do, show you her boobs?” He started chortling all over again, and I rolled my eyes at him.
I felt a sudden, unanticipated defensiveness over Jessica. She would never do something like that, would she? She seemed as if she had too much poise and self respect. Still, who knows what she'd do for more money…
“She didn't. It’s as simple as a woman putting me in my place, that's all. The only other woman who’s ever done that is my mother,” I replied, my tone clipped at the end. Nick recognized the change in my voice, and his laughter abruptly quieted.
“Alright, man. I was just joking,” he said apologetically. “Everyone thought she was in here getting fired was all. I'm glad you didn't can her. She's probably the smartest one on our team. Hey, if you like her, you should see how she does on this case and maybe we can talk about making her a partner.”
I smiled at his comment that served as a reminder of why we made such incredible business partners. Nick had a weird sixth sense when it came to what I was thinking, and we seemed to share the same brain when it came to our profession.
“I'm ahead of you on that already, Nick,” I nodded with a knowing grin.
“Yeah, it would be good for us to have a woman's touch, you know? To balance things out,” he returned. After a short pause he added, “Great, so I'll let you get back to work, then. I'm looking forward to seeing this new and improved Bastian Kosta.”
He chuckled as he left my office. With the door closed, I sighed and sank deeper into the couch. I knew I'd better get started on keeping up my end of the deal since time was running out.
I summoned Jason into my office first. He was extremely cautious, and perhaps a tad skeptical, when I apologized for the way I’d spoken to him. When I told him I appreciated the talent he brought to the team, his expression resembled that of a person who had just shit a pile of bricks. Nick was fond of that saying, and I always marveled at how fitting it sometimes was. After my short talk with Jason, I proceeded to meet with every person in the office one-on-one to offer them my apologies as well. I was hoping that Jessica would recognize my effort and understand how desperately I needed her to come through for me. I also knew if I kept my word and made an effort to treat people better, she’d be less likely to renege on our agreement.
When the work day came to an end, I packed up my briefcase and stepped out of my office to find Jessica the only person left on the work floor. I stopped by her desk, but she didn’t notice me standing behind her since she was bent over collecting her briefcase and purse. I used the moment to admire her full, round ass that only affirmed what a great decision I'd made in choosing her. She straightened and rocked back on her heels a moment, and I placed my hands on her small waist to steady her. She yelped in surprise.
“You're very oblivious,” I said as an observation. She clutched her chest and turned around, placing her hands on mine to remove them from her waist.
“No, you just walk like a freakin' assassin. Why were you just standing there watching me, anyway?”
I smirked down at her, and her golden gaze darted from my eyes to my lips and back again.
“I planned on walking you out, but got distracted by the gorgeous view of you bent over,” I boldly quipped, my smile turning devilish.
“Great, my fiancé is a pervert, too,” Jessica sighed, rolling her eyes at me. “I think that counts as sexual harassment,” she smiled minx-like, and I tipped her chin up while slowly closing the distance between our lips.
“I'm allowed to be a pervert for you, and you have no idea what sexual harassment is, Jessica… though I'd be glad to teach you.” I lightly brushed my lips over hers before I stepped back. “You're right, though. We're in the workplace,” I added with a wink, and Jessica shot me a rueful smirk after taking a deep breath.
Unlike in my office earlier, she now seemed to be receptive to my advances, and I wasn’t sure if her responses were genuine or merely her acting out the role she’d agreed to play. Either way, she certainly was convincing, and I knew that would be good when appealing to the immigration officer. It would help tremendously that there seemed to be heat between us. It was newly-developed, but it was definitely there…or at least looked it. If her affection wasn’t real, she deserved an Oscar for feigning it.
“So, would you like to share a car?” I asked politely as we began our walk towards reception where we stopped at the elevators.
“I actually drive my own car, so I have to head to the parking garage,” Jessica replied as we waited for the elevator doors to part.
I was impressed that she was brave enough to navigate the busy city streets on her own. Jessica was proving to be very independent, which was a nice coincidence since it made sense that I’d choose to marry a woman like her. I was beginning to wonder if it was fate that we'd be getting married rather than a calculated choice.
“I'll walk you to the parking garage, then,” I offered with a smile, and she didn't object. As soon as we cleared the building's lobby and stepped out onto the street, I took her hand in mine. She looked at me in surprise and slight bemusement.
“Why are we holding hands?” she giggled as if she found the gesture juvenile.
“Because we need to keep up appearances, Jessica,” I explained. “I’ve become a bit of a celebrity lately thanks to my recent win. Over the last few weeks I’ve constantly been in somebody’s lens and gossip column.”
Jessica chewed on her bottom lip in contemplation, and I saw her eyes dart around as if she expected to see flashing cameras pop out of the bushes.
“I guess you're right…” she shrugged.
I smiled at this rather adorable response. Our marriage was going to be a great one indeed, I silently mused. Maybe after the two years, assuming they went well, we could actually stay together. I studied Jessica curiously, realizing I wouldn't be completely against growing attached to her. Our arrangement was only a few hours old, yet I was already beginning to like the girl. It was hard not to, considering the risk she was taking for me and the firm. Her smarts and her beauty didn’t hurt, either.
“Oh, Jessica, before I forget… There's going to be a cocktail party at Nick's house Friday night. There will be other firms present, as well as many of our clients. I'll need you to be ready by then so you can officially begin to play your part,” I told her, my face growing serious to convey the importance of what I was saying. She glanced up at me and nodded in understanding.
“No problem. I can have all of the stuff memorized by then, and of course I'd act the part at a business party.”
I appreciated Jessica's willingness and seeming determination to help me, even if a considerable sum money
was the motivating factor. Only time would tell then if she managed to pull any of it off. I walked her to her car and admired the clean, sleek, black Jaguar.
“I didn't known I paid you enough to afford this,” I teased her. She rolled her eyes as she packed her bags into the back seat.
“It was an extravagant gift from my brother when I graduated law school,” she clarified.
“Ah, gotcha,” I replied as I admired the vehicle. She sank into the driver's seat and I leaned in to briefly check out its interior. “So I'll see you tomorrow, then?” I asked, and she nodded while looking up at me expectantly. Realizing I was holding her car door open, I closed it and took a step back, and she waved before pulling away. Her car purred, then roared to life as she sped from the garage.
Yeah, I definitely made the right choice, I thought as I watched her leave.
Chapter 3
Jessica
The reality of my new role as Bastian's fiancée was still setting in. After work the following day, he insisted that we go out and pick a ring together. Two days later, the stunning diamond ring we'd agreed upon was ready.
Friday I'd be accompanying him to the cocktail party at Mr. Travellis's house under the guise of his bride-to-be, and in preparation I’d been spending an inordinate amount of time studying the binder he’d given me. Most of the questions made sense, while others seemed just plain silly. I mean, really, who needed to know whether his toothbrush was electric or not? As a lawyer, however, I understood the importance of these little details.
“Hey, Jess, did you get the report on—” Jason began, only to abruptly change his thought mid-sentence. “Man, you look like crap. have you been sleeping at all?” He'd stopped by my desk to ask about a case, and was now squinting at me in concern.
I scowled at him slightly because he was right: I hadn't been getting any sleep. Bastian’s binder of personal information was ridiculously detailed, but I was committed to memorizing everything and had been staying up late to do just that. Jason went on the defensive and smiled a bit nervously. “I mean, like, uh…you look like sexy crap, and not like, uh…unattractive…crap,” he floundered and eventually fell silent, much to my appreciation.